Official 2016 5th Anniversary Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend!

[liesel]

I'm in for the PDC and am also a legacy runner.

 

[MrsMcKenzie]

WDWarchitectureguy and I are in for the PDC. We decided to book through a travel agent this year to get early registration and not have to stress out on August 11th.

He's done the Dopey and PDC before, but it'll be my first time for a back to back race experience, so yeah...time to get serious.

 

[sperkins921]

So I'm a Loooooooong time lurker here, but not often poster. Got bitten by the rundisney bug recently: DH ran the 2011 W/D and I didn't and since then have always said I would run it. This year, I signed up for it. Then decided that I had to have a C2C (it was also on my bucket list of "must do" things) so I signed up for Princess. Then Tink. Yeah, my CC's are on fire lol.

Will be running this years Wine and Dine with DH- but I'm on my own for Princess and Think. I'm hoping to join in here and hopefully make some friends so at least the Tink (and maybe if any of you are running the others those too) won't be so lonely.

What brought me here was actually trying to decide on my hotel. I'm thinking of places over on S Manchester and based on the maps I saw posted here- it looks like those will be okay in terms of race day transportation, yes? I could make the DLR or PPH work in terms of having the cash- but really, I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. Did I mention, this will be my first ever trip to DLR? So yeah, I'm thinking I could spend that money easily on something other than my hotel

I'll be flying in from the east coast, and will likely arrive in the very very wee hours of Friday morning. If you see any half awake people walking through the expo like Zombies- that'd be me. lmao.

So hello to all!

---Nikki

 

[Anisum]

Hi @sperkins921! I'm very much in the same boat. I decided to do one and now I'm signing up for two.

I'm not sure about hotels as far as race day since I've only spent time in Anaheim once. but I spent three weeks living at the Sheraton for a competition and found it to be lovely if not a bit out of the way from the parks (at least in terms of walking). It's a good neighbor hotel though so it may have transportation. Not sure of the price.

 

[WDWarchitectureguy]

Decided i wasn't going to do PDC next year. I did the 5K and PDC this year and it was brutal for me. 3 days of early wake-ups. By Sunday, all I wanted to do was curl up on the pavement and go to sleep. I still ended up beating my PR by quite a bit, but I was a zombie for the entire race. I could not tell you anything about the route or the race to save my life. It's just a big blur.

That was by far the biggest challenge of doing Dopey. The races were tough but the waking up. Not just the race days. We had a red eye early flight the day before. With the Expo that day. Plus the 4 races made 5 days in row of 3am wake up calls. I barely made it through the full. Very zombie like feeling the entire race.

Having said that, my DW and I are doing PDC this year. I'm working on staying Perfectly Pixie Dust. My wife is doing her first challenge.

 

[SarahDisney]

That was by far the biggest challenge of doing Dopey. The races were tough but the waking up. Not just the race days. We had a red eye early flight the day before. With the Expo that day. Plus the 4 races made 5 days in row of 3am wake up calls. I barely made it through the full. Very zombie like feeling the entire race.

Yeah, this is my biggest fear. So far I've only done one rD race, and it was a 5K, which is a later wakeup. We're doing 2 in a row (5K & 10K) in January and I'm nervous about the toll that the early wakeup will take on me. I'm not a morning person.

Having said that, my DW and I are doing PDC this year. I'm working on staying Perfectly Pixie Dust. My wife is doing her first challenge.

Yay for both of you!

 

[MrsMcKenzie]

That was by far the biggest challenge of doing Dopey. The races were tough but the waking up. Not just the race days. We had a red eye early flight the day before. With the Expo that day. Plus the 4 races made 5 days in row of 3am wake up calls. I barely made it through the full. Very zombie like feeling the entire race.

Having said that, my DW and I are doing PDC this year. I'm working on staying Perfectly Pixie Dust. My wife is doing her first challenge.

I was exhausted waking up all those days and I only had to cheer at three of the runs.

And just cause we're doing it again this year does not mean that we're gonna keep going every year.

 

[kim3339]

Thanks for the detailed info !!!!! Your memory is amazing when it comes to these race courses. I have to admit I just follow the people in front of me.
After reading your description I really excited to do this, it sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks

It really is a problem; too bad it didn't work in school and just on random things.

What brought me here was actually trying to decide on my hotel. I'm thinking of places over on S Manchester and based on the maps I saw posted here- it looks like those will be okay in terms of race day transportation, yes? I could make the DLR or PPH work in terms of having the cash- but really, I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. Did I mention, this will be my first ever trip to DLR? So yeah, I'm thinking I could spend that money easily on something other than my hotel

First off...

As for staying on Manchester, that should be fine. A lot of people stay there and walk over. You would just walk through DTD and cut through the Grand Californian Hotel and you come out in the middle of the corral line-ups. Just follow all the other runners and you should be good. The walk from Manchester depending on how fast or slow you walk should be about 15-20 min. The only thing I would keep in mind is for after the race. Not sure if you normally do a drop bag but walking back to the hotel afterwards, you'll have to go through the security check points and if it's warm and the lines are long you might want to throw some extra water or something for after the race. Hope that makes sense. Security won't be up going to the race but after the parks will be open so they'll be up. They're pretty good about letting you go through it's just that the lines are sometimes hit or miss if you get a full tram unloading at the same time it can get a little backed up.

Races and DL/DCA overall are a lot easier than WDW races and parks. Everything is around the same area, unless you are really far from the parks, you won't need a shuttle and crazy wake-up times like at WDW. And one of the best parts is that you can go to DL and hop over to DCA in 5 min, no shuttles taking you to another park.

 

[SarahDisney]

And one of the best parts is that you can go to DL and hop over to DCA in 5 min, no shuttles taking you to another park.

THIS!

For DL newbies - even if you don't get park hopper at WDW, I highly recommend getting it at DL.
On our first trip Mad Tea Party was down (due to rain) when we were at DL, and even though we spend most of the next day at DCA, we hopped back over to have our ride on the teacups (and experience a few other things while we were there). It's so easy to hop - one morning we went to DCA for World of Color fastpasses, got those and then were at Disneyland less than 15 minutes after opening.

 

[WDWarchitectureguy]

And just cause we're doing it again this year does not mean that we're gonna keep going every year.

 

[VickiHD]

So I'm a Loooooooong time lurker here, but not often poster. Got bitten by the rundisney bug recently: DH ran the 2011 W/D and I didn't and since then have always said I would run it. This year, I signed up for it. Then decided that I had to have a C2C (it was also on my bucket list of "must do" things) so I signed up for Princess. Then Tink. Yeah, my CC's are on fire lol.

Will be running this years Wine and Dine with DH- but I'm on my own for Princess and Think. I'm hoping to join in here and hopefully make some friends so at least the Tink (and maybe if any of you are running the others those too) won't be so lonely.

What brought me here was actually trying to decide on my hotel. I'm thinking of places over on S Manchester and based on the maps I saw posted here- it looks like those will be okay in terms of race day transportation, yes? I could make the DLR or PPH work in terms of having the cash- but really, I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. Did I mention, this will be my first ever trip to DLR? So yeah, I'm thinking I could spend that money easily on something other than my hotel

I'll be flying in from the east coast, and will likely arrive in the very very wee hours of Friday morning. If you see any half awake people walking through the expo like Zombies- that'd be me. lmao.

So hello to all!

---Nikki

Nikki,
Hi and Welcome !!! We're a friendly and helpful bunch here.
Kim already gave you some good advise. Finding a hotel near the park is SO easy at DL. You can also have your pick from many on Harbor or Katella all within walking distance.
I think you will love DL, the castle maybe smaller but we've got the original park out here. There will also be a meet up sometime over race weekend where anyone who wants to can have a chance to meet each other.

 

[pclvnmcky88]

I have decided to stay on property for Tink in May. Is it to my advantage to look to book the hotel now through runDisney or possibly wait until the 2016 Rooms Rates and attempt at a discount? I am military so I am hoping they announce the military rates for next year in August.

 

[kelly 1]

So I'm a Loooooooong time lurker here, but not often poster. Got bitten by the rundisney bug recently: DH ran the 2011 W/D and I didn't and since then have always said I would run it. This year, I signed up for it. Then decided that I had to have a C2C (it was also on my bucket list of "must do" things) so I signed up for Princess. Then Tink. Yeah, my CC's are on fire

I also am doing Princess and Tink for that pink C2C! Can hardly wait to start this journey! I have never been to DW. I have ran Tink the past 2 years.

 

[sperkins921]

Hi Kelly and Vicki and all the others!

It's nice to have a friendly bunch to say hello to and get to know while we plan! For WDW, I'm DVC, so I have no issues with a room and all that; but DLR is a totally new experience so I feel like all the planning I used to do years and years ago when I was a WDW noob I have to do now. I'm super stoked about this upcoming year. I'm going to Hong Kong and Tokyo (just a quick week, so 3 days in one and 5 in the other) so I'll see HKDL, TKDL, WDW and DLR all in the span of less than 12 months!

You know us Disney freaks- we don't do nothing half way

It seems many of you are Tink veterans. Anyone who is relatively new to running here? I literally was not a runner before March. I started running at the end of March using C25K and just did my first 10K over the 4th holiday. I still do run walk intervals. My mileage is at about 6/7 miles for my long run- so half way there. I took a few weeks off from running because life got in the way, but planning on hitting the trail this evening to get back on the horse. I figure I still have enough time to at least make it to 10 or 11 miles- if not the whole 13- before Halloween. I'm going to taper before the Wine and Dine. Then I'll take a week or so off and go back to training through the winter for the Princess.

I noticed that the cut off for time submission for the Tink is too early to include Princess as my proof of time; which I'm bummed about. It'll be winter in New England so no chance at doing a 10K in that interim. My corral for Tink will likely be based on whatever I do at Wine and Dine; which is my FIRST half marathon. And I'm a new (and kinda slow ~11min/mi) runner. So definitely bummed there. I wonder why they didn't stretch out the time so that those of us who run Princess can use it for our times?

Oh, something else I was wondering that you DLR RDisney vets may have a better idea of- is merchandise sell out at the Expos as big a problem out there? Like the Dooney's and New Balances and shirts and stuff? I really wish Disney would either make more items, or implement a rule so that runners really got first crack. It's disheartening to know that people who aren't even running and just want to flip on eBay are going to have better odds at getting stuff than those of us who've spent months training for the moment are going to have....

 

[VickiHD]

Hi Kelly and Vicki and all the others!

It's nice to have a friendly bunch to say hello to and get to know while we plan! For WDW, I'm DVC, so I have no issues with a room and all that; but DLR is a totally new experience so I feel like all the planning I used to do years and years ago when I was a WDW noob I have to do now. I'm super stoked about this upcoming year. I'm going to Hong Kong and Tokyo (just a quick week, so 3 days in one and 5 in the other) so I'll see HKDL, TKDL, WDW and DLR all in the span of less than 12 months!

You know us Disney freaks- we don't do nothing half way

It seems many of you are Tink veterans. Anyone who is relatively new to running here? I literally was not a runner before March. I started running at the end of March using C25K and just did my first 10K over the 4th holiday. I still do run walk intervals. My mileage is at about 6/7 miles for my long run- so half way there. I took a few weeks off from running because life got in the way, but planning on hitting the trail this evening to get back on the horse. I figure I still have enough time to at least make it to 10 or 11 miles- if not the whole 13- before Halloween. I'm going to taper before the Wine and Dine. Then I'll take a week or so off and go back to training through the winter for the Princess.

I noticed that the cut off for time submission for the Tink is too early to include Princess as my proof of time; which I'm bummed about. It'll be winter in New England so no chance at doing a 10K in that interim. My corral for Tink will likely be based on whatever I do at Wine and Dine; which is my FIRST half marathon. And I'm a new (and kinda slow ~11min/mi) runner. So definitely bummed there. I wonder why they didn't stretch out the time so that those of us who run Princess can use it for our times?

Oh, something else I was wondering that you DLR RDisney vets may have a better idea of- is merchandise sell out at the Expos as big a problem out there? Like the Dooney's and New Balances and shirts and stuff? I really wish Disney would either make more items, or implement a rule so that runners really got first crack. It's disheartening to know that people who aren't even running and just want to flip on eBay are going to have better odds at getting stuff than those of us who've spent months training for the moment are going to have....

That is SO exciting to be able to visit all those parks within a year. Your a lucky girl !!!!
11 mm miler you will be in good shape. Besides W&D you can submit a 10k time for corral placement.

Expo....where do I start, merchandise does sell out FAST. This last Tink Expo, I make sure I get there early on the first day. People had started lining up around 6:00 am and I think I walked over by 7 ish. They hold us in a different area and then walk us down to the shopping area. Waiting isn't too bad since everyone in line is friendly and finally it is very organized. Most important you can get the merch you want. It adds another day to the racecation but the merchandise selection is important to me so that's why I'm there early. NB has started a virtual cue for sign ups. Once it actually goes live you can just sign up and tell them what you want and you will get a text later to tell you when to come back. It was pretty easy. If the official merchandise is something you want, I really suggest making sure you are able to go to the expo on opening day. There are also some interesting speakers at the expo too. In the past they have had the "original" Tinker Bell, and she is a hoot with her story telling...really worth listening to.

Hope this helps with planning.

 

[sperkins921]

That is SO exciting to be able to visit all those parks within a year. Your a lucky girl !!!!
11 mm miler you will be in good shape. Besides W&D you can submit a 10k time for corral placement.

Expo....where do I start, merchandise does sell out FAST. This last Tink Expo, I make sure I get there early on the first day. People had started lining up around 6:00 am and I think I walked over by 7 ish. They hold us in a different area and then walk us down to the shopping area. Waiting isn't too bad since everyone in line is friendly and finally it is very organized. Most important you can get the merch you want. It adds another day to the racecation but the merchandise selection is important to me so that's why I'm there early. NB has started a virtual cue for sign ups. Once it actually goes live you can just sign up and tell them what you want and you will get a text later to tell you when to come back. It was pretty easy. If the official merchandise is something you want, I really suggest making sure you are able to go to the expo on opening day. There are also some interesting speakers at the expo too. In the past they have had the "original" Tinker Bell, and she is a hoot with her story telling...really worth listening to.

Hope this helps with planning.

Well I submitted the 10K that I ran over the 4th for my corral placement for W&D but my time was closer to 12:30ish. I messed up and got caught up in the adrenaline of the race and didn't stick to my run walk intervals or pace for the first two miles and though I finished and finished strong, I did start slowing down at about 3.5 miles onward. But whatever! I finished! lol

I just figure as you train and run more races your time improves, so I'm just bummed that my Tink placement will be based on W&D level of training and not Princess, which would be a little faster (hopefully) than my W&D pace. Right now, I average betwen 11-13/mi depending on heat, time of day (I am NOT a morning person lol), whether I've eaten, what I ate the day before, etc. Sounds like a large variable but that heat is kicking @$$ right now!! lol Normally, I maintain closer to 11 if I can really discipline myself to stick to my pace and interval. I have the habit of running too fast or feeling good in the first few miles and not sticking to my run walks like I should. I gotta work on that.

My plans are to fly in on a red eye, so it lands at like midnight or 1AM Friday. So I'll be there on the first day of the Expo- but won't have had much (if any) sleep. Then, I'll scoot over to DLR and DCA for a bit. Go back for a nap, and then park hop. Saturday I'll lazily tour the parks and sleep/hydrate/etc. And Sunday I'll run. Fly out Monday with new shiny medal and lots of loot...er....gifts for myself....er I mean others. Yeah that's it. Others. . ;-)

 

[Anisum]

Hey @sperkins921 I started running in March as well (though it was the end of March) and I'm a bit behind you. I don't have my first 10k until September and I'll be running my first half at the Princess 1/2 Weekend.

 

[kirstie101]

They also take your picture at the bib pickup area after you get your bracelet. They say it's to match up the person picking up the bib and running, but I haven't had anyone check my pic yet. They're doing the same thing w/ the challenges.


For the hotel prices, unless you're staying at 1 of the 3 resorts, you can find cheaper right now on your own, especially if you have an AAA card. I booked BW Stovall's across the street from the corrals a few months ago and got the room for I think $100 a night. If you're staying onsite, DLH is my fave like others and the expo is there, but the finish line and staging corral is at Paradise Pier as well as the corrals lining up in front of it so getting back to your room and to the starting line would be the shortest there.

Ok so I was just talking to DH and I am really leaning towards doing the Half this year and making it a solo quick one nighter. Right now STovalls is about $30 more than Pavillions a few doors down. If you were me, and traveling alone, would you pay the extra $30 to be a block closer?

 

[huggybuff]

Ok so I was just talking to DH and I am really leaning towards doing the Half this year and making it a solo quick one nighter. Right now STovalls is about $30 more than Pavillions a few doors down. If you were me, and traveling alone, would you pay the extra $30 to be a block closer?

If the hotels were the exact same quality I'd probably choose the cheaper one. If the $30 buys me a nicer hotel then I would take that one, but that's just me.

 

[kirstie101]

If the hotels were the exact same quality I'd probably choose the cheaper one. If the $30 buys me a nicer hotel then I would take that one, but that's just me.

Stovalls gets better reviews but it is still a BW. I always say most of the motels near the parks are comparable. I think my coworker and her family are staying at Stovalls though. I think I'll book both for now while the rates are low and figure it out in the next couple weeks and then cancel one.
If anyone has experience with the pavilions I'd love to hear it! I know Stovalls is well liked by the rundisney group.